How Do I Get a Job in Real Estate in 2026?

[MayaLee]

The most direct path to getting a job in real estate is to earn your real estate license in the state where you want to work. This is the non-negotiable first step for any role involving buying, selling, or leasing property. The process typically involves completing a state-approved pre-licensing course (usually 60-180 hours), passing a background check, and then passing the state licensing exam.

Once you have your license, your next move is to choose your brokerage. This is a critical career decision, not just a formality. Large national franchises like Keller Williams or RE/MAX offer extensive training programs and brand recognition, which is ideal for new agents. Boutique firms, on the other hand, might offer more personalized mentorship and a deeper focus on a specific neighborhood or property type. I recommend interviewing at least three different brokerages before signing. Ask about their commission splits, training programs, lead generation support, and company culture. Some brokerages offer a higher commission split but provide fewer leads, while others take a larger cut but feed you buyer leads from their marketing.

The reality is that 70% of new real estate agents quit within the first two years because they underestimate the time and financial commitment needed to build a client base. To succeed, you need a solid business plan that covers your first six months of expenses, as you will likely not earn a commission check for 3-6 months after getting your license. Most agents find their first clients through their sphere of influence—friends, family, former colleagues, and neighbors. I suggest creating a list of 100 people you know and personally reaching out to each one, not to sell them something, but to let them know you are starting your career and would appreciate their referrals. The agents who succeed are the ones who treat this as a small business from day one, not just a job.

Here’s a quick look at common entry points into the industry:

Entry Path	Typical Timeframe	Key Requirement	Initial Earnings Potential
Licensed Sales Agent	2-4 months	State license, brokerage affiliation	Commission-only (highly variable)
Real Estate Assistant	Immediate	Administrative skills, no license often needed	Hourly wage ($15-$25/hr)
Property Manager	Immediate	Varies by state; license may be required	Salary ($35k-$55k/yr)
Apartment Locator	1-2 months	License required in some states	Commission or fee-based

[MacJackson]

Honestly, I wouldn't just jump straight into being a sales agent. I've seen too many people burn out. A much smarter move is to start as a real estate assistant or a transaction coordinator. You get to work inside an active brokerage, learn the paperwork, and watch how top agents handle negotiations without the pressure of finding your own clients. You'll build a network and learn the actual business mechanics. After six months to a year of that, you'll know exactly what you're getting into when you get your own license.

[LePaige]

Don't overlook the commercial real estate side. Everyone thinks about houses, but the money and stability are often in office, retail, and industrial properties. You don't necessarily need a license to start as a research analyst or a junior leasing associate. The skills are different—more financial modeling and less cold-calling homeowners. If you have a head for numbers and Excel, this is a very stable, high-paying career path that is less volatile than residential sales.

[LaSteven]

The biggest hurdle isn't the license—it's the lead generation. I would focus on finding a team to join, not just a brokerage. A good team gives you leads from day one because they have a listing inventory and a marketing budget. You'll work on a smaller commission split, but you'll actually be making money right away instead of sitting in an empty office. Look for teams that have a dedicated buyer's agent role. It's a fast track to learning how to close deals.

[Vargas]

Think about specializing in a niche from the start. Don't try to be a generalist. For example, focus on luxury condos downtown, or first-time homebuyers in a specific suburb, or even a specific type of property like multi-family units. I've seen agents with a very clear niche grow their business twice as fast as generalists because their marketing is hyper-targeted. It also makes you an expert in that small market, which clients trust. Pick one area and become the go-to person for it.